Synopses & Reviews
Land in laptop luxury! Follow Dan's advice for a long and happy relationship with your laptopA laptop is much more than just a desktop with a handle. In his famously fun and friendly way, Dan Gookin shows you just what to look for in a laptop, and what to do after you get one. Learn about laptop operation, power management, networking, troubleshooting, security, Windows 8, and how you can wander the world with your laptop, safe and carefree.
- To laptop, or not — assess your needs, compare hardware and software options, and get Dan's recommendations on where to buy
- Some assembly required — get step-by-step instructions for unpacking your laptop, setting it up, and charging the battery
- What is it, where is it — discover what the buttons, lights, holes, and slots are for and how to use a laptop keyboard and mouse
- Open the Windows — tour Windows 8 and the new Start screen, find and launch programs, and set up options with the Control Panel
- Communicate — connect to a network, use a HomeGroup, go online wirelessly, and manage your e-mail
- Travel tips — choose a case to protect your laptop, prepare it for travel, and guard both your device and your data
- Keep it happy — maintain your laptop and know how to handle common problems
Open the book and find:
- What you should and shouldn't consider when laptop shopping
- Things you might want to add to your laptop
- Information on tablet and convertible PCs
- Miscellaneous mouse musings
- Advice on managing battery power and battery life
- Laptop safety and security tips
- How to sync files before and after hitting the road
- Ten handy accessories to consider
Learn to:
- Use the newest features of Windows 8
- Connect to the Internet and browse safely from anywhere
- Sync your laptop with other devices using wireless networking
- Secure your laptop and extend its battery life
Synopsis
Hit the road with your laptop and this must-have For Dummies guideIf you're like most people, your laptop is taking the place of your PC. Whether you're on the road, working at home, or multitasking, your laptop is now an essential, trusted tool. Just in time, beloved and popular author Dan Gookin returns with a new edition that covers the very latest in laptops. From synchronizing with your desktop and coordinating e-mail to maintaining security, networking, working in Windows 8, adding your smartphone to the mix, and more, this book makes understanding laptops simpler than you ever thought possible.
- Shares the latest basics about laptops, such as new technologies, current processors available, and steps to update memory and hard drive capabilities
- Covers the new Windows 8 operating system and other popular laptop operating systems, as well as netbooks, wireless networking, and smartphone tethering
- Explores remote access to the desktop, power management, storage, security, and much more
- Examines the benefits of mobility for students, employees, and anyone who needs to work on the go
- Helps you work on the road, employ and enjoy multimedia, and use your laptop professionally
Laptops For Dummies, 5th Edition is the fun and friendly guide that will get you going and on the go with your laptop in no time!
About the Author
Dan Gookin wrote the original For Dummies book in 1991. Today he has more than 130 books to his credit, with 12 million copies in print and translations into more than 30 languages. Among his bestsellers are Word For Dummies and Android Phones For Dummies. Visit his website at www.wambooli.com.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1Part I: This Laptop Thing 5
Chapter 1: The Portable Computing Quest 7
Chapter 2: A Laptop of Your Own 21
Part II: Say Hello to Your Laptop 31
Chapter 3: The Out-of-the-Box Experience 33
Chapter 4: To Turn On a Laptop 41
Chapter 5: To Turn Off a Laptop 53
Chapter 6: Around Your Laptop in 16 Pages 65
Chapter 7: Your Laptop and Windows 81
Chapter 8: The Tablet PC 99
Part III: You and Your Laptop 115
Chapter 9: Using Your Laptop 117
Chapter 10: Portable Power 129
Chapter 11: The Laptop, the Printer, and the Fax 143
Chapter 12: Expanding Your Laptop’s Universe 155
Part IV: Laptop Communications 167
Chapter 13: Basic Networking 169
Chapter 14: The Wireless Life 183
Chapter 15: Hello, Internet 197
Chapter 16: The Modem Lives 207
Chapter 17: Online Safety 219
Chapter 18: Portable Web Browsingand E-Mail Tips 233
Chapter 19: Between the Desktop and Laptop 241
Part V: The Laptop Goes Elsewhere 253
Chapter 20: O the Places You’ll Go 255
Chapter 21: A More Secure Laptop 271
Chapter 22: A Laptop for Work, a Laptop for Play 289
Part VI: Troubleshooting and Maintenance 303
Chapter 23: Laptop Troubleshooting 305
Chapter 24: Laptop Maintenanceand Upgrading 313
Part VII: The Part of Tens 319
Chapter 25: Ten Battery Tips and Tricks 321
Chapter 26: Ten Handy Laptop Accessories 327
Chapter 27: Ten Things to Throw in Your Laptop Case 333
Index 337